§13472 High Efficiency Heat Engines

Summary

The Secretary must run a five-year program to make heat engines more efficient. The program must include real-world demonstrations to prove they work and are cost-effective. It must use materials that boost efficiency and develop advanced engine designs for electric and industrial power at small, mid, and large scales, including turbines with recuperation or intercooling, turbines that add steam or use reformed fuels or hydrogen, and simple-cycle high-efficiency turbines. The program aims to produce engines that can exceed 50 percent efficiency in the mid-term. Within 180 days after October 24, 1992, the Secretary must send Congress a five-year plan and consult with industry, colleges, federal agencies (including the EPA), national labs, and professional groups. Within one year after October 24, 1992, the Secretary must request project proposals. Funding may come as needed from amounts authorized under section 13451(e).